Unique pieces made from pure natural horn

Since 1978 the HOFFMANN frame makers from Kelberg in the volcanic Eifel have been handcrafting natural horn frames. Long years of experience of working with this unusual material, a flair for perfection and unmistakable design make the work of our specialists into a triumph of the art of handcrafting.

The design of HOFFMANN natural horn frames has little in common with the image of the classic horn frame. Created using traditional handcrafting techniques, they reflect modern design both in shape and colour. Whether delicate or striking, these natural horn frames are unrivalled pieces.

Water buffaloes provide the horn

HOFFMANN natural horn frames are created from the horn of the Indian water buffalo. The Washington Convention on Endangered Species does not apply to these agricultural animals. Although the horns of a water buffalo can be up to two metres in length, only a small part of the horn is suitable for a spectacle frame. From this small part we select only those pieces which fulfil our criteria regarding the quality of the material and a harmonious and unusual colouring. The making of a horn frame does not pollute the environment. The only waste products are horn shavings, which serve as a natural fertiliser.

Characteristic for natural horn are the harmonious shades of colour and unusual fibre structures. These make each horn a unique piece fashioned by nature. The most beautiful examples come from very old animals with large horns. Colours range from a pale transparency through white and shades of brown and anthracite to black. Not only the appearance but also the feel of the frame is a sensual experience. The finely finished surface of this natural material radiates a pleasing warmth.

Nickel as a component in the material of a frame makes it flexible and elastic, however, it is often the cause of skin allergies. HOFFMANN natural horn frames are an excellent alternative for these frame wearers. Allergy sufferers wear natural horn frames, as natural horn is free from substances which could irritate the wearer’s skin. For some hyperallergic sufferers, this isn’t sufficient to allow them to wear spectacles without problems. For this customer group special frames for allergy sufferers are custom-made.

For a frame we use a part of a water buffalo horn. For this, strict criteria apply regarding the quality of the material and its aesthetic strucure. We select only perfect pieces for handcrafting. Each model from HOFFMANN NATURAL EYEWEAR is made as an individual, one-off piece, allowing special customer wishes to be taken into account. In this way frames are created whose equal will be sought in vain in the marketplace and which let their owners feel they are wearing something very special. With justification, as each HOFFMANN frame is one of a kind, distinguished by individual effects of structure and unique colour combinations.

HOFFMANN NATURAL EYEWEAR frames are created by experienced specialists without recourse to industrial production processes. The frames are made using the Triplex-Safety-System. This is a high-quality, time-consuming production method for natural horn frames developed by HOFFMANN. It gives the frames a high level of stability, making them robust and ensuring that they retain their form. Each HOFFMANN natural horn frame is made, depending on the model, from up to seven thin horn layers whose centre consists of plates with fibres lying in alternating directions. The desired combination of colours is inseparably bonded together.